Partners doubles gifts; at 42% of goal

The annual Partners in Charity Appeal has doubled the amount of gifts in the past two weeks. As of this week, Partners has received a total of $2,084,704 in gifts and pledges, or 42 percent of the $5 million goal, according to Michael Gillespie, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development.
A majority of the 108 Catholic communities in the diocese began their appeal during Lent but set the process aside for Palm Sunday until after Easter Sunday.
“It is encouraging that our parishioners saw this appeal as a tangible way to express our Faith in Action during the Lenten Season,” said Bishop McManus. “I thank God for the generous response we are witnessing and pray that the momentum will continue in the Easter Season to support diocesan-wide efforts involving education, charitable outreach and pastoral services.”
Mr. Gillespie said there were at least 6,000 more donors since last month.
“We are noticing a growing trend of new donors in 2013 that are reconnecting in supporting the annual appeal with a gift. These donors for various reasons decided not make a gift in 2012. We are optimistic about this group and hope this continues,” he said. ”That group’s giving equates to about $120,000, and growing.”
On-line gifts so far have totaled about $100,000, he said. Donors can give on line at www.partners-charity.net.
Mr. Gillespie also said that many companies participate in gift matching programs. Some companies will match gifts made by retirees and spouses of employees. The impact of a single gift can at times be doubled or possibly tripled. A complete list of companies is on the website and all parishes were provided matching gift cards.
He said that many parishes plan to solicit gifts and pledges for the appeal after Easter. He also expressed his “deepest gratitude and appreciation to all pastors and lay committees” for their leadership in the fund drive.
The annual Partners in Charity Appeal  helps to support charitable, educational and ministerial organizations in the diocese. They include:
Charity: Catholic Charities, Clergy Retirement, Retired Priests Health Ministry, Haitian Apostolate, McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys, Pernet Family Health Service, Seminarian Health Insurance, St. John’s Diocesan Cemetery System, Diocesan Development, Stewardship.
Education: Catholic Campus Ministry, Catholic Schools Department, The Office of Religious Education, Ongoing Priestly Formation, Diocesan Youth Ministry, Grants-in-Aid for Catholic School Students, Seminarian Education, Central Catholic Schools Subsidy, Advanced Studies for Clergy and Laity.
Ministry: African Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, Office of Marriage and Family, Ministry to Priests, Office of the Diaconate, Respect Life Office, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Vocations Office, Office for Divine Worship.